Sunstrike a problem in Oamaru

Otago has the second highest sun-strike crash rate in the country per head of population, and Oamaru has several “problem areas”, say police.

AA figures show that from 2008-2012 there were 142 crashes in the region in which sun-strike was a factor, resulting in one death, 11 serious injuries and 63 minor injuries to people, along with the damage to vehicles and property.

There were seven reported crashes in Oamaru in the four years, as a result of sunstrike.

Sun-strike is when drivers are blinded by sunlight hitting their windscreen. As winter sets in and temperatures drop, sun strike has become one of the many road hazards Oamaru police are concerned about.

Highway patrol Sergeant Peter Muldrew said spring and the beginning of Autumn were the worst times for sun strike, citing particularly problematic areas as State Hwy 1 between Palmerston and Shag Point, between Alma and Oamaru and coming up Severn St.

Pick up a copy of the Oamaru Mail for the full story…

We’re currently offering a special subscription offer for website browsers of $4.50 a week for the Oamaru Mail to be home delivered for a minimum of 3 months.